Deerfield School Board

Deerfield Community School

Deerfield, New Hampshire

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

MINUTES OF MEETING

PRESENT: John Harrington, Bonnie Beaubien, Kevin Webber, Kevin Barry, Don Gorman, Paul Yergeau, Peter Warburton, Tom Haley, Kandy Davitt

1. Call To Order-Mr. Harrington

The April 1^st , 2008 DCS Board meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM by Chairman John Harrington.

2. Pledge of Allegiance

Mr. Harrington led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

3. Minutes of Previous Meetings

A motion was made by Kevin Webber to accept the minutes of March 20, 2008

as written seconded by Bonnie Beaubien.

All In Favor

Motion Carried

4. Immediate Business

A. Agenda Review

Additional Items- Technology Review, Deb Boisvert

B. Citizens’/ Staff Comments

Representatives F. Case, S. Nord, J. Reagan, R. Snow were present to discuss the transportation for the high school students to Concord. They informed the board members that it would be extremely difficult if not impossible to have the legislature review any type of legislation at this time. Mr. Snow stated that transportation is not considered part of an adequate education as defined by current legislation.

Ms. Nord stated the intention of increasing the age to 18 for withdrawing out of high school was to put the onus on the parents for making sure that there was a plan in place before their student dropped out.

It was also stated that the Governor’s office does not have much interest in Deerfield’s transportation issue.

Mr. Webber informed those present that the board has been actively searching to find a way to solve the situation and that the board in no way intended the Deerfield Representatives to solve the problem but the board hoped that maybe by having a dialogue with the members of the house and senate that they might come forward with options that the board members were not aware of.

The following options will be reviewed by the board.

Budget reductions
Special town meeting
Speaking with the Commissioner of Ed.
Consolidating bus routes to gain a bus or two for the high school students

Mr. Gorman thanked the Representatives for their time and for the information that they brought to the meeting. He also stated that the board would pursue the suggestions made.

Representative Snow passed out to the members of the board the following RSA’s that might contain information that would be helpful to them.

TITLE XV. EDUCATION

CHAPTER 194

SCHOOL DISTRICTS, High Schools

Section 194:21-a

194:21-a Long-Term Contracts.

The school districts of the state may enter into a contract with each other for the establishing and maintaining jointly a high school for the benefit of their pupils and may raise and appropriate money to carry said contracts into effect. The school boards of said districts, acting jointly or otherwise, shall have the authority and perform such duties in relation to schools so maintained as may be provided for in the contracts. The term of any such contract may be for a term not to exceed 20 years from the date of the contract. In entering into such contract either of said school districts may bind itself to the payment of tuition for the entire term of the contract and may also bind itself to annual payments on account of capital investments.

TITLE XV EDUCATION

CHAPTER 189

CENSUS

School Boards, Transportation and Instruction of Pupils

Section 189:1-a

189;l-a Duty to Provide Education.

It shall be the duty of the school board to provide, at district expense, elementary and secondary education to all pupils who reside in the district until such time as the pupil has acquired a high school diploma or has reached age 21, whichever occurs first;

provided, that the board may exclude specific pupils for gross misconduct or for neglect or refusal to conform to the reasonable rules of the school, and further provided that this section shall not apply to pupils who have been exempted from school attendance in accordance with RSA 193:5.

Source. 1969, 356:10. 1973, 72:28. 1975, 22:1. 1983, 84:1, eff. July 23, 1983.

TITLE XV EDUCATION

CHAPTER 189

SCHOOL BOARDS, SUPERINTENDENTS, TEACHERS, AND TRUANT OFFICERS; SCHOOL CENSUS

School Boards, Transportation and Instruction of Pupils

Section 189:6

189:6 Transportation of Pupils

The local school district shall furnish transportation to all pupils in grade 1 through grade 8 who live more than 2 miles from the school to which they are assigned. The local school board may furnish transportation to kindergarten pupils, pupils in grades above the eighth or to any pupils residing less than 2 miles from the school to which they are assigned, when it finds that this is appropriate, and shall furnish it when so directed by the commissioner of education.

TITLE XV EDUCATION

CHAPTER 194 SCHOOL DISTRICTS

High Schools

Section 194:22

194:22 Contracts With School

Any school district may make a contract with an academy, high school or other literary institution located in this or, when distance or transportation facilities make it necessary, in another state, and raise and appropriate money to carry the contract into effect. If the contract is approved by the state board the school with which it is made shall be deemed a high school maintained by the district.

Source. 1874, 69:1. GL 90:15. 1885,89:2. 1887, 111:1. PS 89:11. 1901,96:6. 1903, 118:1. 1905, 90:1. 1909,100:1. 1911,137:1. 1915,126:1. 1917,219:1. 1921, 85, IV:21. PL 119:21. RL 138:21.

B. Technology Plan-Deb Boisvert

Deb Boisvert presented the following information to the members of the board.

2007-2008 Technology Highlights

q Implemented GroupWise shared calendars. Improved content and quality of the Bridge- weekly parent newsletter.

q Purchased 12 laptop computers to create our first mobile lab, and 9 thin client hubs to create 26 additional workstations as part of the annual replacement cycle. We received 20 donated monitors (some 17” and some 19”).

q Current inventory 131 current workstations, 26 thin clients, 48 machines that are out of the replacement cycle. Approximately 142 for student use for a ratio of 3-4 student per computer.

q Purchased linux mini laptops with open source (free) software to create explore the possibilities for a second laptop lab

q Set up a linux server and installed WordPress blogging software for Internet applications such as the staff memo and classroom use

q Digital Portfolio Project – continued to implement stage one. All certified staff participated in training and we have shifted to a web based submission process.

q Continued to implement the LOTI staff assessment program and the NetDay Speak Up that collects views of students, teachers, and parents on topics such as educational technology, science, math, and 21st century workforce skills.

q The 5-year warranty on our main server expires this year. The estimated cost of replacement is $7,000-10,000.

Areas for consideration in developing the upcoming Technology plan 2009-2011

Our current 3-year technology plan expires this year. I am working with staff and administration to create a new plan. I would like your ideas and input as I revise the plan, particularly on the following issues

Direction

q In the past our goal was adding machines to classrooms and flexible labs. We will continue our replacement cycle for machines in the most economical fashion.

q As use of technology grows we have requests for more projectors in classrooms, interactive white boards, student response systems and other interactive tools.

q There is a movement nationwide and a budding movement within NH for laptops for every student in designated grades.

These directions bring up questions of direction, equity, distribution of resources, and funding.

Funding

q We currently have maintenance/replacement driven budget funding.

q We supplement this with periodic grants

o Over the past two years we have received less federal money directed through the state because we are not considered a school in need based on a formula driven in part by the 2000 census.

o We are able to squeeze some new technology in our current budget system. Examples of these would be online services such as Survey Monkey, thin client machines and linex exploration and moving from hubs to switches.

Mrs. Boisvert informed the members that she would come back in May to discuss any concerns that the board members might have.

C. Charter School- Mr. Graykin, Mr. Harrington

Members of the Charter School informed the board that they have applied to the IRS for their 501C3 and are fine-tuning their charter. It was also stated that their curriculum development would be finished by July 1^st.

Mr. Gorman asked if the building has been inspected to see if it will meet fire codes, etc.

The board members were informed that the owner is looking into codes but that there are other buildings in Deerfield that they could use for the Charter School.

D. N.C.L.B.- Mr. Gorman

No Report was made at tonight’s meeting

E. Wetlands Plan-Mr. Gorman

No Report was made at tonight’s meeting

F. Action Items- Mr. Webber

There were no action items to review.

5. Old/Unfinished Business

A. Default Budget

The board reviewed the transportation line and discussed collapsing the bus routes from 10 to 8 for the students attending DCS. The two buses then could be used for students attending Concord High. Mr. Gorman asked where would the money come for the third bus? Mr. Barry wanted to make sure that the amount of time for a child at DCS would not be increased by much if the board decides to do this. Mr. Gorman also wanted to make sure that if the 3^rd bus was not needed that Dail would drop the bus and not continue to charge the district.

A motion was made by Kevin Webber to contact Dail Transportation to determine the feasibility of reducing the Deerfield Community School’s bus routes from 10 to 8 and use the other two buses for high school students, seconded by Bonnie Beaubien.

All In Favor

Motion Carried

Mr. Haley will contact Chris Dail and report back to the board at their next meeting.

Mr. Haley passed out to the members of the board the 08-09 Default budget that was forwarded to the state. He also informed them that this now becomes their working budget.

Mr. Yergeau reviewed with the members of the board areas in the 08-09 default budget that he thought could be reduced. Many of the cut’s relied on the cost of last years prices for toner, computer prices, etc. Other areas included online subscriptions such as Survey Monkey, Brainpop, Principalm, Gradedquick. The total amount to be cut totaled $17,121.38.

Mr. Yergeau also suggested that the board consider dropping one teaching position, which could be done by attrition. Mr. Yergeau suggested that the 08-09 teaching staff include:

Mr. Yergeau informed the members of the board that for the 08-09 school year DCS would only have 4 interns instead of 6 therefore saving money on the stipends that are given to them.

Mr. Webber suggested that the board look at the student population closely and consider removing a second teaching position. He suggested that the 5^th grade for the 08-09 school year

drop from 4 teaching positions to three. Mr. Yergeau stated that due to the dynamics of the 5^th grade population, the number of students with IEP’s, and discipline concerns that the teacher/student ratio should stay as proposed. Mr. Webber passed out the State of NH Dept. of Education, recommendations on class sizes and stated that the board should look at DCS numbers again to determine if adjustments could be made. Ms. Beaubien stated that the board and the constituency needs to rely on the information given to them by the school staff. They know the needs of the students and how to best meet their needs. Ms. Beaubien stated that with the needs of this grade she would support Mr. Yergeau’s proposal. Ms. Beaubien also stated that

research has shown that smaller class sizes meets the educational needs of students with or without learning disabilities better.

Mr. Webber asked if this might be the time to look at removing one of the modulars. Mr. Gorman stated that the board needs to review the modular/space situation but stated that once a modular is removed if in the future the district determines that they need one again it will have to meet new standards set by the state and it will be at a substantial increased expense. Mr. Gorman stated that the board needs to have a plan in place for such a situation and not just remove a modular because it saves money today.

Mr. Webber stated that he was bringing these items forward because he does not want to see the school district facing another default budget in the future.

A motion was made by Kevin Barry to accept Mr. Yergeau’s recommended reductions in 2008-09 default budget lines and to authorize expenditure of $36,621 from the 2007-08 budget for technology needs and educational supplies and equipment, seconded by Bonnie Beaubien.

All In Favor

Motion Carried

A motion was made by Kevin Barry to use up to $10,000 from the 2008-09 default operating budget for a 2.5% cost of living wage increase for those employees not under a contractual agreement, seconded by Don Gorman

All In Favor

Motion Carried

B. Energy Conservation Project-Mr. Harrington

Will be discussed at the April 17^th meeting.

6. New Business

A. 2008-09 School Calendar-Mr. Harrington, Mr. Yergeau

The board reviewed the 08-09 school year calendar. Mr. Barry asked if it reflected the Concord High School calendar. Mr.Yergeau assured the board that it did.

A motion was made by Bonnie Beaubien to accept the proposed calendar for the 08-09 school year, seconded by Kevin Webber.

All In Favor

Motion Carried

B. School Board Organization-Mr. Harrington

The following nominations were made:

Kevin Webber nominated for Chair: John Harrington

Don Gorman nominated for Chair: Kevin Webber

(Mr. Webber stated that that he currently could not accept the position due to other commitments)

Chair: John Harrington

Vice-Chair: Kevin Webber

MBC Rep. : Bonnie Beaubien

Selectmen’s Rep.: Kevin Barry, Don Gorman (alternate)

The board discussed if Mr. Barry could continue serving as the Representave due to his election as Town Clerk. Mr. Barry stated that he could bring school business to the the Monday night Selectmen’s board meeting if he used his 30 min. break for supper while he worked at the Clerk’s office. The board members decided to nominate Mr. Gorman as an alternate in case there were any schedule conflicts.

SAU Exec. Brd.-Kevin Barry

Negotiators: Kevin Webber, Bonnie Beaubien

Transportation: Don Gorman

Curriculum Rev. Brd. : Bonnie Beaubien

Manifest Review : Kevin Barry, Bonnie Beaubien

Maintenance: Don Gorman

NHSBA Delegate: Bonnie Beaubien

Public Relation: Bonnie Beaubien, Kevin Webber

Building Needs: Open position

Concord School Brd. Reps: Kevin Webber, Bonnie Beaubien

7. Other Business

A. Informational Items-Administrators and Board Members

Mr. Haley informed the board that Pembroke Academy was looking for a member of the Deerfield School Board to attend a meeting for the Trustee Scholarship fund on May 20^th at 4:00 pm. Recommendations for the scholarship will be one of the items reviewed. Mr. Gorman suggested that Mr. Harrington attend the meeting. Mr. Harrington agreed that he would represent the Deerfield District.

Paul Yergeau informed the members of the board that the visit from the members of the Board of Ed. went well. The members of the Board of Ed. stated that the Commissioner of Education asked if the members of the Board of Ed. would visit NH schools to assist in keeping the lines of communication open, review their policies, and to visit classrooms.

Mr. Yergeau also invited members of the board to the Science Fair, April 3^rd at 6:30 pm.

Mr. Gorman inquired about getting information concerning N.C.L.B at the legislative level and any actions/correspondence taken by the Dept. of Ed. and the Commissioner’s of Ed. office.

Members discussed getting information from the National School Board website as a place that would have up to date changes in legislation. Mr. Haley stated that he wrote Commissioner Tracey and the board had received information concerning N.C. L.B. correspondence but that he would contact the office again.

B. Agenda Preparation

Energy Conservation

DCS 08-09 Default Budget

School Board Meeting Schedule

Transportation

C. Citizens’/Staff Comments

None were made

8. Adjournment

At 9:10 P.M., a motion to enter non-public session under RSA 91-A:3II(c) to conduct staff review was made by Bonnie Beaubien, seconded by Kevin Barry. On a roll call, the board voted:

John Harrington YES

Kevin Barry YES

Bonnie Beaubien YES

Donald Gorman YES

Kevin Webber YES

THE MOTION CARRIED

Present: John Harrington, Kevin Barry, Bonnie Beaubien, Donald Gorman, Kevin Webber, Paul Yergeau, Peter Warburton, Tom Haley.

At 9:42 P.M. a motion to end the non-public session was made by Kevin Barry, seconded by Kevin Webber. On a roll call, the board voted:

John Harrington YES

Kevin Barry YES

Bonnie Beaubien YES

Donald Gorman YES

Kevin Webber YES

THE MOTION CARRIED

Chair John Harrington noted that no action had been taken in non-public session.

E. Nomination/Election of Staff

Superintendent Tom Haley placed in nomination a list of certified staff for 2008/09. A motion was made by Kevin Barry, seconded by Kevin Webber to elect the superintendent’s nominees.

ALL IN FAVOR

THE MOTION CARRIED

The School Board discussed the upcoming retirement of maintenance supervisor Bill Fowler. A motion to present Mr. Fowler with a proposed time frame and retirement plan was made by Kevin Webber, seconded by Don Gorman.

ALL IN FAVOR

THE MOTION CARRIED

8. Adjournment

At 9:48 P.M. a motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Bonnie Beaubien, seconded by Kevin Webber.

ALL IN FAVOR

THE MOTION CARRIED

The next Deerfield School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 17, 2008 at 6:30 P.M.